In today’s competitive job market, apprenticeships are becoming more popular than ever. For example, at Guam Community College, the number of participants in their apprenticeship program has currently reached a historical high.

Similar to internships, apprenticeships provide excellent opportunities for students to work alongside industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-life guidance. Most apprenticeships focus on vocational trades and crafts, and they provide an excellent way to strengthen your resume and skills before you enter into the workforce.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Apprenticeships are generally reserved for skill-based careers and services, and community college students pursuing studies in the following categories may benefit most from apprenticeship experiences:

Boilermakers

Bricklayer masons

Building maintenance personnel

Carpenters

Drywall hangers

Ceramic tile setters

Cement finishers

HVAC technicians

Maintenance electricians

Fire sprinkler installers

Elevator constructors

Floor layers

Manufacturing plant electricians

Insulators

Ironworkers

Plumbers

Painters

Roofers

Sheet metal workers

Sheet metal workers

Telecommunication technicians

Offering apprenticeship opportunities in all of the aforementioned categories are schools such as Lane Community College, located in Eugene Oregon, wherein students are encouraged to “Learn the aspects of a highly skilled occupation through on-the-job training and related instruction.” Better yet, students can simultaneously earn an income during their apprenticeship.

Additionally, with apprenticeship experiences, students can effectively apply information learned in the classroom to experiences in the “real world.” From an employer’s perspective, apprenticeships help the student bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Indeed, there are many benefits associated with an apprenticeship, and thankfully, community colleges around the country are being recognized for their comprehensive apprenticeship programs.

Pursuing an Apprenticeship

If you are considering or currently enrolled in an apprenticeship-related program, your local community college’s advisory center is a great resource for you to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities.

Each school has its own program guidelines, and thus, details for individual programs may vary. Generally, however, the mandates for an apprenticeship position require a specific set of previous skills and experiences. For example, students attending one of the apprenticeship programs in the San Diego Community College District are required to meet both English and math proficiency standards. To prove eligibility, applicants to the program must pass formal tests, as well as successfully complete an oral interview conducted by members of the school’s apprentice training program.

In further evaluating SDCCD’s apprenticeship guidelines, participants can only successfully complete their apprenticeship programs once they have passed all required college courses, as well as completed all mandatory on-the-job training opportunities. Upon meeting all the established mandates, students are awarded with a “Journeyperson” card, provided by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards.

Other community colleges have different requirements. For example, at Honolulu Community College located in Hawaii, their Apprenticeship/Journeyworker Training Program allows some students to apply apprenticeship work towards an associate’s degree. This program comprehensively includes both the apprenticeship and related coursework, with classes scheduled during nights and weekends.

How Apprenticeships Improve Your Resume

While many apprenticeships provide students with an income and/or college credit, the greatest benefit of these opportunities can be found in the amount of credibility that’s added to your resume.

In today’s competitive job market and soft economy, employers are hiring only the most experienced, skilled, and reliable employees. With the experience of an apprenticeship included in your work resume, your candidacy is significantly strengthened with industry skills and first-hand experience. In addition, from an employer’s perspective, a candidate who has successfully completed an apprenticeship does not need additional training – further enhancing your strength as a job applicant.

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